Ventra 101

How can I contact Ventra Customer Service?

The Ventra Customer Service Center is open Monday through Friday. It is located at 567 West Lake Street, 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60661 – at the CTA headquarters. The Ventra Customer Service Center’s operating hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST.

The Ventra Customer Call Center can be reached at 1.877.NOW.VENTRA (1.877.669.8368).

How do I use Ventra on trains and buses?

Remove. Tap. Go. Just remove the Ventra Card or contactless bankcard that you want to use to pay for rides, and tap it on the center of the card reader. Wait for the green “Go” message to appear on the screen, and board your train or bus.

With a contactless bankcard, you can pay as you go with a full fare charge each time you tap, or you can load passes and transit value directly onto your personal bankcard at Ventra Vending Machines, entitling you to CTA and Pace transfer discounts. Online account management for contactless bankcards is coming soon.

How do I use the new Ventra Vending Machines?

The new Ventra Vending Machines are easier to use than the old vending machines. You can buy all types of passes, such as the 7-day or 30-day pass, or load value onto your transit account and quickly check your balance with a tap of your card. The machines will all accept credit/debit cards, in addition to cash.

Paying with Contactless Bankcards and Mobile Devices

How can I use my contactless bankcard with Ventra?

There are two primary ways to use your contactless bankcard to pay for rides on the CTA and Pace.

Pay-as-you-go (PAYG): Remove. Tap. Go. Just take out your bankcard and tap it on the center of the card reader. The full PAYG fare will be deducted for each ride ($2.50 for CTA bus or train, transfers not available except between 'L' lines where free; $2.00 non-premium Pace buses). Note that your credit or debit card may be authorized for up to $5.00 when you first tap it on a card reader, even though the actual fare is less. This is a pre-authorization process, and you will only be charged the actual fare once it hits your account. The amount of time it takes for the charge to hit your account may vary depending on your bank.

Add passes and transit value: Take advantage of CTA and Pace multi-day passes, as well as transfer discounts, by adding passes and transit value to your bankcard at Ventra Vending Machines at CTA rail stations and participating Ventra Retail Locations. Coming soon, you will also be able to register a Ventra Transit Account to your bankcard to add passes and transit value online or by phone, protect your balance if the card is lost or stolen and manage your account online.

To ensure transit fare is deducted from your preferred payment card, please take out the card from your wallet and tap it on the card reader. Then, watch for the green "Go" message to appear on the reader.

What is a contactless bankcard?

A contactless bankcard transmits data securely via radio waves when the card is tapped on a card reader. Major banks are switching from traditional cards to contactless cards due to the cards’ increased security, improved durability and quicker payment times.

If your credit or debit card has this symbol on the front or back, it is contactless and can be used to pay for rides on the CTA and Pace.

Why are there $5 charges on my account when using my personal bankcard if I only took one ride?

Like other purchases made with a credit card, merchants will often pre-authorize a certain dollar amount. For example, you may notice this when making gas purchases or booking a hotel room. Ventra requests a pre-authorization of $5. This money reflects a pending transaction. Once the transaction processes with your bank (usually by the end of the business day), the amount shown will reflect the actual fares charged, based on the number of rides you’ve taken.

Why don’t all charges on my bank account reflect the number of rides I’ve taken on a given day? Are these double charges?

Ventra will often combine and process charges at the end of a business day, in batches. For example, if you take two rides for $2.50 each, you may see a single transaction on your bank account for $5.00. These charges may not correspond with the exact date you took the ride. The time it takes for a transaction to be authorized and post to your account depends on your bank.

Can I use Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay to board with Ventra?

Yes!

Ventra is designed to accept industry-standard, contactless payments, which means that you can use a bankcard loaded into digital wallets or payment apps Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay—instead of a Ventra Card—when boarding a bus or when entering a CTA train station. It’s just like using a contactless reader at a checkout or vending machine.

When using a contactless bankcard or digital wallet to pay, you’ll be charged a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) fare when you board.Transfers are now available between services when using contactless PAYG and are charged at the same rate as when using a Ventra Card. If using a Pay app, be sure to have the app present the same funding source every time you tap to make sure you get the best fare.

Be sure to have the same funding source selected within your payment app every time you touch your device to a fare reader, so any balance or transfer availability stays with you as you travel. Learn more at How-to Use Pay Apps or in Ventra Terms.

Can I load regular fares/passes online or set up autoload to use Ventra with Apple Pay or Google Wallet?

Not at this time. These payment systems work much like contactless bankcards and, like those, are compatible with Ventra either for Pay-As-You-Go transactions for use with transit value and passes loaded at Ventra Vending Machines. If you do load transit value or passes at a vending machine before you ride, be sure to have the same funding source selected within Apple Pay every time you touch your device to a fare reader.

We’re working on offering registration features in the near future. Stay tuned.

Can I import my Ventra Card into Apple Pay?

Not at this time. Only certain major, national bank and retail cards, issued by organizations with whom Apple established a relationship before launching Apple Pay, can currently be imported. We are exploring whether this can be an option for Ventra Cards in the future. Read more about which cards are accepted (from Apple).

Registering, Activating & Managing Your Ventra Card

How do I register my Ventra Card?

Register your Ventra Card by selecting “Register Your Card” on the homepage at ventrachicago.com or by calling 1.877.NOW.VENTRA (1.877.669.8368). The $5 cost of your first Ventra Card will be returned to your Ventra Account as Transit Value if you register within 90 days of purchase. Customers can activate their MasterCard® Prepaid Debit Account after registration.

Please note: If your Ventra Card has your name on it, the Card is already registered. Your Ventra Card is personalized when it is ordered online or by phone.

What is a Ventra Card “Nickname,” and why do I need one?

Choosing a “Nickname” for your Ventra Card helps to keep track of your Cards in case you own or manage more than one. For instance, if Janet and her two kids, Bill and Lisa, all use public transit with a Ventra Card, Janet can pick a nickname for Bill and Lisa’s Cards so she can tell them apart when managing each Card online.

How do I manage my Ventra Transit Account?

After registering your Ventra Card, you can manage your account, view transit balances and add transit value and passes online at ventrachicago.com using a computer, smartphone or tablet. Just click here and enter your username and password to get started.

You can also manage your transit account over the phone by calling 1.877.NOW.VENTRA (1.877.669.8368) or by visiting the Ventra Customer Service Center, 567 West Lake Street, 2nd floor (at CTA headquarters).

Can I set up autoload on my Ventra Card or contactless bankcard?

Yes. You can register your Ventra Card online or by phone, link your transit account to a major credit card or bank account and set it to automatically be reloaded. Autoload will soon be available for contactless bankcards, as well. Click here to learn more.

I have both passes and value on my Ventra Card. Which fare will the system use first?

Because your Ventra Account can contain multiple fare payment options, your fare will be paid with the first payment method in your Ventra Account containing sufficient value in the following order:

Joint CTA-Pace passes that are valid on both transit agencies’ systems

Agency-specific passes that are valid on just one participating transit agency system

Shorter duration passes

Longer duration passes

Transit benefits value

Transit value

When you board and pay your fare, the Ventra System will determine what types of passes and transit value are available in your account. New passes will not be activated until the pass you are currently using expires. A Ventra Account can contain up to three passes at one time.

If there are no passes and insufficient transit value in your Ventra Account, you will not be able to travel, or you will be charged a PAYG fare if you are using a contactless credit or debit bankcard.

Please note: Ventra Cards can be passed back up to seven times. If you have pass products on your Card, the first tap will deduct value from the pass product first. Any subsequent taps will deduct value from transit value only. If you want to pay for multiple rides, make sure you have enough transit value.

What happens if my Ventra Card is lost, stolen or damaged?

If you have a registered Ventra Card, please call 1.877.NOW.VENTRA (1.877.669.8368) or click here (log in, click “customer service”, then select “replace your card”) to report your Card as lost, stolen or damaged. Doing so will deactivate the Card so that your balance is protected. You can then choose to receive a new Ventra Card in the mail or by visiting the Ventra Customer Service Center at 567 West Lake Street, 2nd floor. The balance from your old Card will be transferred to your new Card upon activation.

Please note, however, that active passes such as a 7-day will continue to run during the replacement process and may expire by the time your new Card arrives in the mail. In these instances, visiting the Ventra Customer Service Center is recommended so that your Card can be replaced immediately. There is a $5 non-refundable replacement fee for all replacement Cards, unless the Card is found to have a defect that was not caused by customer misuse or improper handling.

If you do not have a registered Ventra Card, you can purchase a new one online, at Ventra Vending Machines, participating retail locations or by phone.

It will take 7 to 10 business days to receive a replacement Ventra Card by mail.

Will the CTA and Pace continue to offer reduced fares to eligible customers?

How do I activate my new RTA Ventra permit?

Just call the activation number on the permit’s sticker, and follow the prompts using your touch-tone phone to activate your new permit. All you need to provide is your Card number (located on the back of the Card), Card expiration date and your date of birth. Once activated, you will automatically be registered for a new Ventra Transit Account, ensuring your balance can be protected if your permit is lost or stolen.

How will the new RTA Ventra permit work?

The durable new permit works as both your RTA Reduced Fare/Ride Free ID and fare card. If you are a reduced fare customer, just add passes or value to your permit, and tap it on the center of the card reader to board trains and buses. If you are a ride free customer, just tap your permit to board. RTA Reduced Fare and Ride Free permits are for transit use only and will not have the prepaid debit account option.

How do I use the new Ventra U-Pass?

Can I still use the Ventra U-Pass during breaks or at the end of the school term?

Yes. Your U-Pass will function as a regular Ventra Card during breaks or at the end of the school term. To ride the CTA and Pace using your U-Pass between semesters and terms, you must add transit value or passes to your U-Pass at Ventra Vending Machines, participating retail locations or at ventrachicago.com. When your full-time school session resumes, your U-Pass will automatically return to an unlimited riding pass.

Please note: Your Ventra Transit Account must be in good standing prior to your full-time school session resuming for your U-Pass to return to an unlimited riding pass. Check your transit balance at Ventra Vending Machines, participating retail locations or at ventrachicago.com. Watch this video to see how to check your balance at a vending machine.

Can I use the Ventra U-Pass on Pace?

You can ride Pace year-round by adding transit value or passes to your Ventra U-Pass.

Please note: You will only receive unlimited rides with U-Pass on CTA trains and buses when your school is in session. To ride Pace and to ride CTA in between semesters and terms, you must add transit value or passes to your Ventra U-Pass at Ventra Vending Machines, participating retail locations or at ventrachicago.com. An additional student entitlement is not needed to order a Pace Campus Connection pass.

I am a student enrolled in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). How do I get my Ventra Student Card?

Chicago Public Schools will issue Ventra Student Cards to students directly. See your school's administrator for information on how to get a new Card or if you need a replacement Card.

Note, if you attend a Chicago Public School and already have a Student Ventra Card, CPS will automatically re-enable the student reduced fare rate on your existing Card when your new school term begins.

Get more information about the Ventra CPS Fare Card and the transiton to Ventra here.

I am a primary or secondary school student enrolled in a non-CPS school. How do I get my Ventra Student Card?

Students who attend non-CPS schools are eligible for the Ventra Student Card program. Some schools issue cards directly, while others do not.Click here to see if your school is on this list.

If your school issues Student Ventra Cards directly, see your school's administrator for information on how to get a new Card or ask them to re-enable the student reduced fare rate on your existing Card when your new school term begins.

If your school does not issue Student Ventra Cards directly, you can use this order form to order a Card directly from us. OR, if you need to re-enable the student reduced fare rate on your existing Card when your new school term begins, send in this order form.

I am a school administrator at a college/university. How do I provide my students with Pace Campus Connection passes?

Will the CTA continue to offer group sales for organizations and institutions?

Yes. If you have any questions regarding the program, click here for an expanded FAQ. For specific questions or assistance placing an order, please call 1.866.869.2246. You can also fill out the CTA Group Sales Order form here.

Will Pace offer group sales for organizations?

I am an employee who receives transit benefits using a check or debit card issued by my employer. How do I transition to Ventra?

First, log on to ventrachicago.com to create a Ventra Access Code using the username and password you received in an email from updates@ventrachicago.com this fall. Once you receive your new Ventra Card in the mail, activate it by calling 1.888.824.8802 and entering your Card number and access code.

You can then add passes and value to your Ventra Card using a transit benefit check or debit card.

I am an employer who is not currently enrolled in the CTA/Pace transit benefits program. However, I am interested in being a part of the Ventra Transit Benefits Plan. What should I do?

How does a student 11 years old or younger get a child entitlement for their student Ventra Card?

Students 11 years old or younger who have a registered student Ventra Card with a student entitlement are eligible to receive a reduced fare outside of school hours. To get the entitlement, a parent or guardian must bring their child’s student Ventra Card with a birth certificate to the Ventra Customer Service Center, 567 West Lake Street, 2nd floor. A customer service representative will add the entitlement to the Card.

This process must be completed for the student to receive a reduced fare outside of school hours.

Using Your Optional Prepaid Debit Account

What is the Prepaid Debit Account?*

Your Ventra Card has two accounts – a transit account and a prepaid debit account. The transit account enables you to add passes and transit value so you can ride on CTA and Pace. The prepaid debit account enables you to use your Ventra Card anywhere Debit MasterCard® is accepted.

Key benefits of the prepaid debit account:

Use it to manage your budget and spend only what you load on the prepaid debit account

It’s convenient – use it in stores, online at ATMs and to pay bills

Funds are FDIC insured

No interest charges or minimum balance required

*Note: Thank you to those who participated in the Ventra Prepaid Debit Account program. Ventra Cards are now transit-only and will no longer support the prepaid debit functionality. The last day to sign up for a prepaid debit account is Nov. 30, 2017, and all prepaid debit accounts will be closed as of Dec. 31, 2017. Users currently taking advantage of this program will receive several options regarding their prepaid debit account and will be mailed a new, transit-only Ventra Card. Should you have questions regarding your Ventra Prepaid Debit Account, please call Ventra Money Network Customer Service at 1.888.824.8802.

Will Ventra keep my information private?

I have multiple contactless cards. Which card will be charged if I tap my wallet?

To ensure transit fare is deducted from your preferred payment card, please take out the card from your wallet and tap it on the card reader. Then, watch for the green “Go” message to appear on the reader.

Ventra is a contactless payment system and will accept payment from either the Ventra Card or a contactless credit or debit card. Since it doesn’t know which of your cards you wish to use, it will deduct your transit fare from the first card that it reads. The CTA and Pace strongly encourage riders not to tap their wallet, in order to ensure fare is deducted from the correct card.

Why are the CTA and Pace changing their fare payment system?

The CTA and Pace are transitioning to Ventra for several reasons:

Ventra is a step toward achieving a universal fare payment system in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, where transit riders will be able to use one card or mobile phone to pay for rides on all regional public transit systems.

Ventra is a modern fare payment system that will meet the needs of transit riders now, and for years to come, by providing customers with convenient new payment options, including contactless bankcards and, eventually, compatible mobile phones.

The existing CTA and Pace fare payment system is nearly 20 years old. It is very costly to repair and maintain, and it does not provide any long-term benefits.

Can I use a pre-paid debit card for Ventra purchases?

You can use a pre-paid debit card or gift card in the Ventra system as long as it has been registered with the bank/card issuer and the information you enter matches what the issuer has on file.

For Ventra website or telephone purchases, the billing address you enter for your purchase must match the address on file for your payment card. If the billing address does not match, the bank or card issuer may decline your purchase even if there are sufficient funds on your card.

At Ventra vending machines or at the Ventra Service Center, the ZIP code you enter should match the address on file.

Every pre-paid card should have information on the back of the card or on the packaging providing details of where you can register the card and provide your address information for our system to then validate.

It is not recommended that you use a pre-paid debit card for autoload transactions, and instead use it for one time purchases of Ventra cards, passes or transit value, and Metra tickets.

Most popular questions

Got my Ventra Card from a vending machine/retailer. Should I register it?

Yes. Registering creates a transit account for your Card that allows you to add transit value or passes online or by phone. Registering also protects your account in case your Card is ever lost or stolen. And when you register, your $5 purchase fee is instantly returned to you as transit value.

Bought my Card at a vending machine. Do I need to activate it?

Can I add passes or transit value to my personal contactless bankcard?

Yes. You can add any type of pass or transit value to your personal contactless bankcard at Ventra Vending Machines to take advantage of transit discounts. You can also pay as you go directly at the card reader and the full fare will be deducted from your bankcard.

I had autoload set up on my CCP. Will this feature transfer over to my new Ventra Card?

No. Your autoload settings and funding source do not transfer over. You will need to set it up under “Manage Account” after activating your Card. However, if your Card is funded with pre-tax dollars through your employer (transit benefits), autoload will transfer over and you do not need to set it up.

What are the benefits of registering my Ventra Card?

Registering creates an online transit account, which protects your funds if your Card is lost or stolen and gives you access to convenient account management tools online or by phone. Plus, the $5 fee for a Card obtained at a vending machine or retailer is returned to you as transit value when you register within 90 days of purchase.

How do I order a replacement Ventra Card?

Call 1.877.NOW.VENTRA or click here (log in, click “customer service”, then select “replace your card”) if your Ventra Card is registered. This will deactivate it and protect your balance. Then, choose to receive a new Card in the mail or by visiting the Ventra Customer Service Center. The balance from your old Card will be transferred to your new Card upon activation. For information about the replacement fee and pass expiration, click here. You will have to purchase a new Card if it is not registered.

Bought my Card at a vending machine. Do I need to activate it?

I had autoload set up on my CCP. Will this feature transfer over to my new Ventra Card?

No. Your autoload settings and funding source do not transfer over. You will need to set it up under “Manage Account” after activating your Card. However, if your Card is funded with pre-tax dollars through your employer (transit benefits), autoload will transfer over and you do not need to set it up.

Got my Ventra Card from a vending machine/retailer. Should I register it?

Yes. Registering creates a transit account for your Card that allows you to add transit value or passes online or by phone. Registering also protects your account in case your Card is ever lost or stolen. And when you register, your $5 purchase fee is instantly returned to you as transit value.

What are the benefits of registering my Ventra Card?

Registering creates an online transit account, which protects your funds if your Card is lost or stolen and gives you access to convenient account management tools online or by phone. Plus, the $5 fee for a Card obtained at a vending machine or retailer is returned to you as transit value when you register within 90 days of purchase.

How do I check my balance at a vending machine?

Can I add passes or transit value to my personal contactless bankcard?

Yes. You can add any type of pass or transit value to your personal contactless bankcard at Ventra Vending Machines to take advantage of transit discounts. You can also pay as you go directly at the card reader and the full fare will be deducted from your bankcard.

I have passes and transit value on my Ventra Card. Which is used first?

Can I pay for more than one person with the same Ventra Card?

Ventra Cards can be passed back up to seven times. The first tap will deduct value from a pass (if you have one). Any subsequent taps will deduct from transit value only, so be sure to have enough transit value on your Card.

What are all of the things I can do at a Ventra Vending Machine?

You can purchase a new Ventra Card or Ventra Ticket with cash or a credit or debit card. You can also add passes and transit value to your Ventra Card or personal contactless bankcard. You can even check your balance.